The pride of Iwate Prefecture — a rare pure-bred Berkshire black pork.
Ryusendo Kurobuta is a Japanese brand pork (meigara-buta) from Iwaizumi Town, Shimohei District, Iwate Prefecture, managed by Ryusendo Kurobuta Farm Co., Ltd. Breed / crossbreeding: Berkshire (purebred).
Ryusendo Kurobuta is a pure Berkshire breed pork raised in the mountain valleys of Iwaizumi Town, Shimohei District, Iwate Prefecture, produced with an integrated operation by Ryusendo Kurobuta Farm Co., Ltd. In a harsh natural environment where temperatures can drop as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius in winter, the family works as one, giving devoted, individual attention to every pig they raise. Only pure British-lineage Berkshire pigs are kept, with breeding pigs registered by bloodline and superior individuals selected to maintain a consistently high quality standard. The farm has also received certification from the Japan Pork Producers Association (JPPA) as a black pig production farm — building a solid track record and trust as a producer of pure Berkshire pigs.
The pigs are shipped at approximately 210 days of age — raised over a longer period than standard pigs — to draw out the concentrated umami uniquely characteristic of black pork. In terms of rearing, a dedicated feed is used in the finishing stage, reducing the proportion of corn (the primary grain) and increasing the blend ratios of milo and barley. The addition of cassava further improves fat quality, while a combination of wood vinegar, mugwort powder, and seaweed suppresses the gamey off-odor typical of pork, producing a flavor that is clean and approachable.
The meat quality features finely grained, firm lean rich in umami and sweetness, with a fat that is not at all greasy — leaving a refreshingly clean finish. Sliced and enjoyed in shabu-shabu, the inherent umami and sweetness of Ryusendo Kurobuta can be experienced directly, with the ingredient’s own flavor brilliantly expressed. A rare treasure of Iwate — born of Iwaizumi’s rich nature and the farm family’s sincere, devoted rearing.
Basic Information
- Name
Ryusendo Kurobuta - Production Area
Iwaizumi Town, Shimohei District, Iwate - Management Body
Ryusendo Kurobuta Farm Co., Ltd. - Breed / Crossbreeding
Berkshire (purebred) - Meat Characteristics
Finely textured, firm lean rich in umami and sweetness. Fat is not greasy, with a clean, refreshing finish. - Feed Characteristics
Dedicated finishing feed with reduced corn and a higher blend of milo, barley, and cassava; wood vinegar, mugwort powder, and seaweed added to suppress off-odors. - Shipping Age
210 days - Annual Production
Approx. 1,600 head/year - Signature Dish
Shabu-shabu - Certifications
Japan Pork Producers Association (JPPA) Certified Black Pig Production Farm / Trademark “Kurobuta Shinjiro” registered by Iwachiku - Related URLs
Ryusendo Kurobuta Farm Co., Ltd.
Ryusendo Kurobuta Farm Direct Shop
Ryusendo Kurobuta Farm | Pocket Marche - Source
Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.38
Ryusendo Kurobuta Farm Co., Ltd.
Ryusendo Kurobuta Farm Direct Shop
Pocket Marche
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Last updated
6/21/2026
